Overview & Reviews

Perhaps the quintessential niche vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler has held the crown of ultimate affordable off-roader ever since it was first offered to the general public. This SUV's lineage goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain. Since then, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and tough-guy image have never wavered, but nor has it been the most civilized vehicle on the planet.

Jeep has attempted to make the latest-generation Wrangler more livable, and indeed it boasts an available four-door body style, a more contemporary interior, strong V6 power and added safety and convenience features. But die-hard Jeep enthusiasts shouldn't be too worried. The latest Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of providing rugged off-road capability and distinctive style, with creature comforts a distant third. Love it or hate it, the Wrangler just keeps on marching to its own beat.

Current Jeep Wrangler
The current Wrangler is available in two body styles: a short-wheelbase two-door or the long-wheelbase four-door Unlimited. Both come in bare-bones Sport, midlevel Sahara or hard-core Rubicon trim. Despite the Wrangler's rough-and-tumble image, there are a number of luxury and convenience items available like heated leather seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, navigation and an Infinity sound system.

All Jeep Wranglers come with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is also standard and includes high- and low-range gearing. A six-speed manual transmission with hill-start assist is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional. This engine is quite the revelation, endowing the traditionally ponderous Wrangler with both quick acceleration and decent fuel economy.

In reviews, we've noted that the Wrangler remains the go-to choice among serious off-roaders thanks to its compact dimensions (provided you choose the two-door version), high ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and no-nonsense four-wheel-drive system with an aggressive low-range function. Even the most basic Wrangler can venture places that most mass-market vehicles could never dream of. The Rubicon furthers those capabilities with extra features such as a special transfer case, knobbier tires and electronic locking differentials.

Make no mistake, though; buying a Wrangler is a commitment. The ride can be jarring, interior noise on the highway can be deafening and handling is poor. With its removable doors, zip-up plastic windows and hose-out interior, the Wrangler may be too rough for many consumers. But the trade-off is worth it for true fans, as nothing else can match the Wrangler's capabilities and iconic image.

Used Jeep Wrangler Models
The current, third-generation Jeep Wrangler debuted for the 2007 model year. It's larger and more refined than the previous generation. Key changes include a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter (though still raucous) ride; the introduction of a four-door variant (known as the Wrangler Unlimited); and added power under the hood, with the big bump coming in 2012. Styling is familiar, but although the standard Wrangler retains roughly the same short length as before, its increased width helps to improve passenger comfort.

Until 2012, the only engine available was a 3.8-liter V6 that produced a rather anemic 202 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque. The arrival of the "Pentastar" 3.6-liter V6 put unprecedented pep in the Wrangler's step, and it brought a new five-speed automatic that replaced the four-speed unit offered with the 3.8-liter engine. A rear-drive version of the Unlimited was also available until 2012. Prior to 2011, the Wrangler's cabin featured lower-quality materials and a less visually appealing design. There were fewer luxury and convenience items available, while stability control was not standard.

Another notable change is that the standard vinyl soft top was harder to remove prior to a design tweak implemented for 2010. The Unlimited's roof was improved further for 2013, along with the seats in all Wranglers.

The previous, second generation of the Wrangler bowed in 1997 after a one-year hiatus, and marked a return to the classic Jeep face with its round headlights. It was sold through the 2006 model year. A new dash modestly modernized the cabin upon its debut, while a coil-spring suspension improved on-road comfort. Dual front airbags and the option of antilock brakes made the Wrangler safer, too. Of course, all the ingredients (such as generous ground clearance, skid plates and a crawl gear for the transfer case) that made the original CJ so capable off-road remained.

Base SE (2.5-liter, 120-hp inline-4), Sport (4.0-liter, 190-hp inline-6, fancy wheels and graphics) and Sahara (4.0-liter six, air-conditioning, upgraded upholstery, CD player) trims were offered initially. By 2003, the Wrangler "X" (slotted above the SE and featuring the inline-6) and "Rubicon" (featuring hardcore off-road equipment such as a super-low range in the transfer case, 31-inch tires and locking Dana axles front and rear) trims debuted. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and three-speed automatic, the latter upgraded to a four-speed unit for 2003.

In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited model; it still had only two doors, but a 10-inch wheelbase stretch provided a significant increase in rear legroom and cargo capacity. A Rubicon version of the Unlimited arrived the following year, and a six-speed manual gearbox replaced the five-speed.

In reviews, we praised the second-generation Jeep Wrangler for its off-road agility and personality, but scorned the plastic side windows, fussy soft top and poor fuel economy. We deemed it fair at best for commuter duty, considering the vehicle's loud and busy ride at freeway speeds. After logging some miles in a Rubicon version, we decided its immense off-road capacity was beyond compare, but braking distances (even with ABS) were long, gas mileage was mediocre, and as a daily driver it was simply too harsh and bouncy on the blacktop. The standard, non-Rubicon version of the Wrangler Unlimited had slightly better road manners, thanks to its longer wheelbase and revised suspension tuning.

Consumer feedback on this Wrangler is generally favorable, with most folks enjoying the fun factor despite echoing our sentiments about the annoying soft top and fuel mileage. Reliability is a mixed bag, with a few respondents citing many troubles where others had none.

The first Jeep Wrangler (1986-'95) had square headlights and, on some trims, monochromatic fender flares and rocker panel extensions, the latter an odd "of the times" styling touch on such a retro vehicle. Initially, a choice of a 2.5-liter four or a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine was offered, and buyers could get a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. One of the biggest improvements during this generation came for 1991, when a new, 4.0-liter inline-6 with 180 hp replaced the ancient 4.2-liter unit that had just 112 hp. Trim levels during this time ranged from base S through Islander, Sahara and top-of-the-line Laredo and, after 1990, Renegade.

User Reviews:

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  Used ex-BLM Rubicon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By timbob55 - January 31 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my Rubicon two years ago with 50k miles. Ive since put 49k miles on it. I found a couple receipts in the glove box that indicated it was owned by BLM. If Id know that ahead of time I may not have purchased. but Im glad I did. In the two years of heavy use I have owned it there has been no reliability issues. Performance: The 3.8 is a dog! Maybe its better with a manual tranny. Comfort: This is the Cadillac of Wrangers. Very comfortable, car like ride. Value: expensive, but well equipped. Fun to drive: If it had more torque it would be great. Interior design: Its a Jeep Exterior design: I like the removeable fenders. Build qualilty: Its a Jeep Reliability: Great

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  This thing is built like a tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - January 31 - 2:00 pm

  Well I own a 97 TJ sport with the 4.0L I6 (aka bulletproof) with a 5-speed manual transmission. My Jeep just rolled over to 206,000 and the only thing I need to replace is the muffler. Engine starts as good as an 06 with 500 miles, I reccomend a deep cycle marine battery. Very powerful on the low end. Accelerates quickly. Unbelievably fun to drive. Will literally go anywhere.. I can blow FJ Cruisers away offroad.

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  Eyagos Review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jamaica - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle...Gotta punch it on the highway for passing or else your not getting much of a response, engine is weakest between 1200 and 1900 RPMs ...

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  Jeep Fanatic! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Meg - January 23 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my jeep brand new in 07 and two years later I am still LOVING it! I run it on a mail route, and not only is the size perfect for that, but it is so sporty, that even when I am not working and when I clean it up...I get soooo many compliments on it! When my husband & I travel we are more likely to take the jeep instead of his 09 F- 350, we can whip it in and out of just about any where, and its just so much fun to drive! :)

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  amazing dream car - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By akefjd - January 21 - 2:00 am

  good driving, it is my favorite car in the world. it is the best car

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Offroute - January 21 - 2:00 am

  All of these reviews are starting to frustrate me. If you are looking for a cheap car that rides like a Cadillac Deville and has design like an Aston Martin Vanquish, give up. If you are one of those people who expect to get into a Wrangler and enjoy the same type of experience that you would have in a regular sedan, here is my advice to you: Give up. The Jeep Wrangler community is a special breed of automotive enthusiasts. Thats why whenever Wrangler drivers pass each other on the street, they wave. Basically what it comes down to is that its simply a Jeep thing, and you may or may not understand.

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  You get what you get - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjim - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Hey, if you buy a jeep, youre not going to get a luxury car. You get a fun to drive, reliable, off-road machine! Laugh at everyone that gets stuck in the snow, and feel the summer wind in your face with the top down. Live life! own a jeep.

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  Jeep wrangler 4x4 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike McNulty - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle, If you want more comfort buy a car SUV stands for sport utitlity vehicle

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  Camo Green 2013 sport-loaded Wrangler - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By aba3 - January 19 - 11:14 pm

  We were looking to replace the Mini(3rd car) As the pleasure of driving it in the warm east coast months with the top down, shifting its precise 6 speed, getting looks because charcoal and black racing stripes (totally hot car package)...was not doing it for us anymore. We wanted a reliable in -case of emrgency (snow) car. Also, something we can put the top down. The sun roof is easy and manual. Looking for just 2 weeks. We drove a 2012 and it was OK. It seemed to be missing a lot of things weve become accustomed to. Than we drove the 2013 and what a difference from the plush seats to the electric windows to the NEW great color-Commander Green.

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  Always Wanted One - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - January 18 - 7:33 pm

  Its awesome, for a single person, i like it alot, ragtop little noisy, shift good runs good, cant say enough about..2,5 a little doggy but oh while..